HomeRacing NewsAustralian Rider James McDonald Set To Return After 18-Month Suspension For Betting

Australian Rider James McDonald Set To Return After 18-Month Suspension For Betting

After serving an 18-month suspension for betting on his mount, jockey James McDonald returns to riding this week in Sydney, Australia.

The New Zealander, previously the top rider for Godolphin in Australia, placed a $1,000 wager on his horse, Astern, at Randwick in 2015. The bet made a $4,000 profit but McDonald was quickly caught and punished.

“It’s something I’ll regret for the rest of my life,” McDonald told Newshub. “I did the crime I’ll do the time.”

The 26-year-old is planning for now the life of a freelance jockey, although he has the backing of leading trainers like Chris Waller.

“I don’t think there will be much discussion about why we would give him a second chance, there was never a thought he wouldn’t be,” said Waller.